Architects experience project delays post-Brexit – survey

Two thirds of British architects have faced Brexit-related project delays following the EU referendum vote in June, a new survey has found.

Architects are mostly positive about their growth prospects, but remain divided on how the vote can affect foreign investment and the rate of construction.

A limited survey commissioned by glass manufacturer Pilkington across 100 architects and building specifiers showed that over two thirds (66 per cent) of respondents had experienced project delays following the June referendum.

More than four in 10 (46 per cent) claimed the vote would have a negative impact on foreign investors while 40 per cent thought it wouldn’t affect investors’ appetite in UK construction projects. Professionals were uncertain how the vote will affect construction, with four in 10 saying Brexit won’t slow the industry against 38 per cent predicting the opposite.

Architects were positive about their growth outlook, forecasting a 12.5 per cent growth on average over the next two years, with one in 10 professionals predicting over 20 per cent growth for the same period.

Half of respondents claimed a lack of Government incentives was the main barrier to designing zero carbon buildings, with just one in five (20 per cent) saying high costs were to blame.

Phil Savage, commercial contracts sales manager at Pilkington said:

“Clearly, uncertainty following the decision to leave the EU is causing clients to tread carefully in term of their investments in the UK built environment.

“But it’s heartening to see that many professionals aren’t predicting doom and gloom but are, in fact, bullish about the outlook over the next two years.

Ian Ritchie, of Ian Ritchie Architects, added:

“While it’s encouraging to see the confidence among architects, it’s important to remember that they are not in a position to drive the industry forward when the economy is somewhat stalled. That role falls to those who fund projects.”